Vertigo

Love and Peace was back as the show opener tonight, first time since Seattle and it felt just right! We barely noticed the trip from 2005 to the 1970's before the lights lit up the audience for Beautiful Day ('Hello Chicago, Chicago, Chicago') and by then we knew we were in for a beautiful night.

Chris Martin and Coldplay were about too, along with Gwyneth and Keanu.

If Chris had planned on being incognito it was not too last - at least not after Bono greeted Coldplay in his introduction to Miracle Drug, also thanking Kings of Leon for supporting them.

Chicago, said Bono, is 'a city of the future and we believe in the future. We have faith in the future... Faith in the idea that God can inspire doctors and nurses.'

With 'Sometimes...' dedicated to 'my father Bob' sounding bigger than ever in the United Centre, by the time the band reached New Year's Day, the gig was rocking. Adam in particular was in the groove - no wonder Bono called him 'Sexy Man' - before leading the audience in a furious round of flamenco style clapping as the song climaxed.

In case anyone hadn't realised that the target of Bono's campaigning has been poverty in Africa, tonight he came back on stage and underneath his tux, he was wearing a totally classic red t-shirt bearing a target logo and Africa.

'Thanks for coming out tonight, well we've been dreaming.. and this is the time for doing it. I'm going to ask for your help. We need you to get on their case. We need one million people for the ONE campaign to make poverty history...'

Great versions of Zoo Station and Mysterious Ways followed, including some cool new visual and audio introductions.

Mysterious Ways included the bass man strutting his stuff in no uncertain terms with the singer as they made their way around the elipse stage.

Final encores brought All Because of You, with Bono playing a tambourine.

And this was just show one in Chicago. What will shows two, three and four bring ?

COMMENTS

my then wife and I took what we thought would be a nice little trip to Chicago to see the boys. My only U2 experience that had SOME negatives to it, thanks to her. I'll just leave it at that.
I wasnt impressed with kings of leon one bit- i think it might have been the acoustics- dont know. We were pretty high up - sat next to a lovely u2 fan from Ireland!!! We had a LOT to talk about and I dont think my then wife really appreciated it.
The show was great- although I was not very impressed with opening with Love and Peace or Else.
40!!!! wow wow wow - closing with 40 was SIMPLY MAGICAL!!! Wasnt able to FULLY enjoy the show because my then wife's piss poor attitude , and I had never been as mad at her as i was on the way back to the hotel!!
The show in St. Louiis in December would make up for it though.